Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands – Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) is embarking on a transformative journey to fortify its revenue protection practices, curb non-technical losses, and bolster disaster resilience within its energy infrastructures. As part of this strategic initiative, MEC is proud to announce the establishment of a pioneering functional department named Revenue Protection. This department, integrated into MEC’s internal audit structure, is poised to revolutionize operational audit and revenue protection activities with a multifaceted approach aimed at optimizing performance and safeguarding financial integrity. Its primary agenda is to fortify energy balance accuracy, optimize billing processes, diminish non-technical losses, and curtail the prevalence of outstanding debts.
To spearhead this groundbreaking endeavor, MEC has engaged the expertise of an esteemed international Compliance and Revenue Protection Specialist. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the field, the specialist will play a pivotal role in driving the department’s objectives toward fruition.
Despite significant technological advancements and commendable business performance, energy utility companies globally grapple with the formidable challenge of Aggregated Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, MEC has prioritized the reduction of energy losses as a core objective. Through the implementation of innovative business processes and organizational restructuring, MEC is committed to fortifying its defenses against energy loss.
At the heart of MEC’s initiative lies the establishment of a Revenue Protection Unit (RPU), designed to take proactive measures against instances of energy misuse and losses. With a steadfast commitment to combatting electricity theft in all its forms – from meter tampering to illegal connections and billing discrepancies – the RPU is primed to safeguard the company’s financial interests and uphold operational integrity.
The focused mandate of the RPU encompasses but is not limited to:
- Visit and inspect customer metering points, both commercial and residential customers.
- Conduct inspections during and after the regular duty time, evening and night inspections.
- Instances of electricity misuse, illegal network connections, violation of technical condition terms, and disconnection of overdue defaulted customers from the network.
- To calculate economic damages in compliance with the applicable regulations; meticulously calculate the reclaim losses and present them to the Office of the Attorney General in case of dispute.
- Zero tolerance for energy thefts, fraud, and corruption.
The revenue protection assertive approach will ensure that the utility company’s financial interests are safeguarded, and any potential energy losses are appropriately addressed.
In addition to fortifying revenue protection measures, the Compliance and Revenue Protection Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing disaster resilience within the RMI’s energy sector. By supporting initiatives such as grid protection assets, spares, and training programs, the specialist will empower MEC to weather the challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change-induced hazards effectively.
It is important to note that the strategies developed and actions taken by MEC’s Revenue Protection Unit in this program will also extend to Wotje, Jaluit, and KAJUR in Ebeye.
MEC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Asian Development Bank for generously financing this critical project, underscoring our shared commitment to fostering sustainable growth and resilience within the energy sector of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
